Dance will always be an integral part of my life

The choreographer, who began his journey as a participant on a dance reality show, was later roped in to judge the same series after three years.

| TNN | Jan 22, 2016, 00:00 IST

Punit J Pathak is enjoying the best phase of his career. The choreographer, who began his journey as a participant on a dance reality show, was later roped in to judge the same series after three years. He also made a successful debut as an actor in 'ABCD' and followed it up with its sequel. "I am a dancer, choreographer and an actor. I am one of the lucky few to do so many things at the same time. Not many people know that I do a lot of work behind the camera as well," he says.

Currently, Punit is choreographing the finale act of 'Bigg Boss'. He says, "I'm prepping Salman Khan's performance for the big night. I am the only person who has choreographed Amitabh Bachchan every single week for 13 straight weeks on his last show. Dance will always be an integral part of my life. I'm happy that I am getting to do what I love and making a career out of it. My fans have appreciated my efforts and their love inspires me to work better."

In the future, he also plans to foray into direction. "I feel there is a director in every choreographer. When we choreograph a song, we visualise it in front of our eyes, the same way a director visualises his movie. I already have a few concepts in mind. However, they are not going to be dance-based films," he signs off.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

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Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

Punit Pathak’s journey has come a full circle when became a judge on the same reality show from which he started his journey as a dancer. As the 5th season of Zee TV’s landmark dance reality ‘Dance India Dance’ show has reached its finale, Punit take out time to chat exclusively with TV Times just before the ‘Grand Finale’.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

What changes you find in yourself in the transition from contestant to a judge?Normally with age comes maturity. In the last 3 years I have worked really hard. This experience has helped me gain maturity. When I started as a contestant, I was not creatively sound. But with experience I learned different aspects of choreography. Now as a judge, I have more responsibility towards my team and with responsibility you tend to perform better.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

When you were offered ‘Jhalak’, ‘Dance Plus’ and ‘DID’, you choose the latter. Why?
It was first in the history of dance reality show that a contestant has become the judge in the same show. It was like a homecoming for me. I did the show because I knew it will give the creative satisfaction I was looking for.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

How was the overall judging experience? It was not easy. As a judge I played dual role. I could see myself in their place as well as can understand judges’ expectation from them. As a contestant, someone was making my life while I am responsible for shaping up these young talents.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

You have choreographed the entire act for the grand finale. Tell us about it. Again, for the first time in ‘DID’ history, one master has choreographed all the acts. Normally, the acts are shared between all, but I am happy to showcase my ability as choreographer. It was a herculean task to prepare 13-15 acts in just 5 days. I have not slept for last 3 days along with my team. And I still have to figure out my own act!

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

How was it sitting next to ‘Grand Master’ Mithun Da? He has not changed since I have been a contestant. He still shares treats with all participants and judges in between the shots, be it dry fruits or biscuits. Every grand salute I received from him has the same overwhelming effect on me. He once said, “No one can stop you from being a director.” That was a huge boost to my confidence.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

What is your plan after ‘DID’? I want to work with everyone in this industry. 2 year down the line, I want to direct a film like veterans like Farah Khan, Ganesh Acharya, Remo Sir and Prabhu Sir. There is a director in every choreographer. When we choreograph a song we can visualize it in front of our eyes, same way a director visualizes his movie.

Punit J Pathak: From 'contestant' to 'judge'

So, who do you think will win ‘DID Season 5’? I would be selfish and want my team, Ashish Vashishta, Proneeta Swargiary to win the title. But at the same time, I must say that all the remaining contestants are equally talented.

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